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We're trying to set up our new mill with a Fagor 8040M controller and continually get a "transmission failed" message when we try to transfer files through WinDNC. We've tried a new RS232 cble and...

I would anchor the balance cables to the gantry and put the pulleys on the frame rail ends. This way, there is no hysterisis or possibility of racking due to cable/pulley give. You've got the concept...

I think you're talking about the opposing-travel system used in drafting tables and two-post car lifts. One cable's attached to one side and runs around and over to the other side, a second cable...

Stirling,
I really like your probing routine. It seems you've figured out the "change of direction" issue very nicely. I'm going to load it into my machine this week and give it a go. You...

I use a TP100 probe (http://www.cadcamcadcam.com/probe-tp100probe.aspx), plugged into pin 10 of my Smoothstepper/G540 setup. I've run AutoToolZero probably 1500 times without a snag. The touch porbe...

I cut only wood - don't have a spindle that will slow down enough for aluminum (yet) - and get .003-.004 accuracy for the inlays I cut. The leadscrews are 3/8-10, there are opposing nuts on the lead...

You should be on the first screen. Click the dropdown and go to "edit button script". All the buttons that have script available or assigned will start blinking. Click the "Auto Tool Zero" button. A...

I have a G540 and a SmoothStepper driving a 3 1/2 x 3 table with dual 3/8-10 lead screws. I'm using HobbyCNC 305 ox motors and they are plenty powerful to drive all the axes. The issue comes in...

I finally found a VB script that works reliably with the new versions of Mach 3 and SMoothStepper/G540 dirvers. Three notes about this script: 1) Add your Z plate/probe height and the distance you...

I had basically the same issue. I turned down the data stream speed in SmoothStepper config to 1KHz (don't remember it's actual name but it's th etop left-hand window in the SmoothStepper config menu...

I've been using Auto Tool Zero with the older version of Mach 3 (can't remember which version) and it worked wonderfully for the past year. I upgraded to version .029 an dnow ATZ is so...

I'm cutting hardwoods 1/8" thick into inlays of names, dates, etc. The balsa gives me somewhere to start the "unsticking' of the inlay from the hold-down (I shouldn't have used the term "spoil...

Noisillator, you can also swap a 4-pole single throw switch for the J4 jumpers. When running a project, turn current reduciton "Off" by "removing" the jumpers, as in switch open. Simple and...

I swapped the J4 jumpers for a 4-pole single throw switch. Gives me external access to the J4 header and I simply turn current reduction "Off" (jumpers installed, sw closed) when running a project. ...

I haven't had time to do the mods to my board to use Mach 3 for current reduction control but I have incorporated a simple work-around. I installed a switch that takes the place of the J4 jumpers on...

I'm having a little, intermittent, problem with my X axis stalling if it tries to start after current reduction has kicked in. I'm thinking of doing the mod to let Mach 3 run the current reduciton. ...

I've got a 40(x) x 30(y) stepper driven router. I am using dual drive motors on the "X" axis to eliminate racking of the gantry. It runs very well MOST (90%+) of the time. Every once in a while,...

I installed aluminum dampers with 9 "rattlers" on each of my X-axis steppers. My machine is pretty wide so I am driving it with dual motors on the X axis. I ran into stalling right away and the...

I'm running a 36 x 36 CNCN router, mostly making inlays for custom woodwork. I've struggled with hold-down issues since the beginning. I cut 1/8" wood for the inlays and have been breaking about...

My controller is Hobby CNC's 4-channel board. The steppers are their 305 oz-in NEMA 23's. I'm using 16 mm round linear rails and bearings. I cut mostly wood at 40 IPM with 60 IPM jog rapids but...

I have a stepper-driven 3-axis machine using 305 oz-in steppers and Mach 3. It runs relatively well but loses steps and stalls unpredictably. I'm trying to use it for production and the...

How do I open the Mach3Mill post processor so I can remove the automatic G91 that's added at the end of the toolpath? I forgot to take it off the end of a post and the next operation resulted in the...

I'm in OKC. I know Ron. Bought a Supermax from him a while ago. You get up to OKC often? I have a CNC router running with Mach 3 and BobCad.

Mr Chips, I am using 3/8"-10 lead screws. They whip a little but I've got them under tension and that reduces the whipping. I'm getting 80 IPM - not going to try for faster since I'm using two...

I like the idea of using the pennies. I just weighed 5 of them and they should be heavy enough. They add up to a little over 185 grains - the weight I used for my rattlers. Epoxy them together to...

I put my new dampers on my CNC router yesterday. They make an INCREDIBLE difference! You can make these relatively easily without a mill or lathe. I used 2 1/2" round aluminum stock becasue I have...

These letters have all been modified with .0156 radiuses to alow full cutting with a 1/32" end mill. They look really good when you cut them and inlay them for name boards, etc.

I finally got my Auto Tool Zero working! Using the VB script and a TP100 probe (http://www.cadcamcadcam.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=10), I get perfectly set tool heights every time. I...

I figured it out! Had a few punctuation and syntax errors and found out that simply closing the window and saving the changes is the way to do it. It's too cool! I'm using a TP100 probe with the...

Zmove = 1.5 'amount the tool will move down to hit the probe
Zpos = GetDRO(2)
Tool = GetDRO (24)
ZOffset = .5 'enter height of probe here

I'm trying to set up the Auto Tool Zero button in my...